Hey, a big "THANK YOU" to everyone who responded with techniques/thoughts/help on my previous spitshining and badge polishing post. My internet connection was spotty for the past few days, so I have not been able to reply until now.
A few more questions:
BADGE
Slowpoke, I'll take your advice on the amount of simichrome. I had started off using it very sparingly, and gradually added more and more in an experiment to see if it worked better in larger amounts. I've not noted a marked increase in shine...but I have noted a marked increase in the amount of gunk I have to take off.
You also advised acetone after using the simichrome. What does this do and how is it applied?
Same basic Q for the car-wax. I imagine it helps 'preserve' the shine. Is there any technique for its application, beyond 'use a clean cloth and rub?' Do you have a favored product?
BOOTS
The basic consensus is the wax should be hot and the water should be cold. Fair enough. I've never used anything other than tepid tap water (but hey, I'll float a few ice cubes if that will help!
), but I have had good luck using kiwi that was sitting in the trunk of my car on hot summer days. I think I have a spare hot pad floating around...that might help as well. Setting the wax on fire? I've heard of this trick, never done it, though.
Okay, specific Qs:
Cracking: I have one boot that for some silly reason insists on cracking. I know better than to pile on polish at the 'bend lines' but I forgot that I was wearing an ankle-brace for a while- this changed the shape of my foot and has caused quite a bit of cracking at some previously-polished spots...at least I guess thats the cause. Is there a quick-fix for this, other than just stripping the boot back down and starting fresh?
Stipping: speaking of stripping a boot down...what method is recommended for this? Just saddle soap, water and a good stiff brush?
Thanks again, all!
Mike
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"A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently, die gallantly. Specialization is for insects." -Robert Heinlein
A few more questions:
BADGE
Slowpoke, I'll take your advice on the amount of simichrome. I had started off using it very sparingly, and gradually added more and more in an experiment to see if it worked better in larger amounts. I've not noted a marked increase in shine...but I have noted a marked increase in the amount of gunk I have to take off.
You also advised acetone after using the simichrome. What does this do and how is it applied?
Same basic Q for the car-wax. I imagine it helps 'preserve' the shine. Is there any technique for its application, beyond 'use a clean cloth and rub?' Do you have a favored product?
BOOTS
The basic consensus is the wax should be hot and the water should be cold. Fair enough. I've never used anything other than tepid tap water (but hey, I'll float a few ice cubes if that will help!
), but I have had good luck using kiwi that was sitting in the trunk of my car on hot summer days. I think I have a spare hot pad floating around...that might help as well. Setting the wax on fire? I've heard of this trick, never done it, though.Okay, specific Qs:
Cracking: I have one boot that for some silly reason insists on cracking. I know better than to pile on polish at the 'bend lines' but I forgot that I was wearing an ankle-brace for a while- this changed the shape of my foot and has caused quite a bit of cracking at some previously-polished spots...at least I guess thats the cause. Is there a quick-fix for this, other than just stripping the boot back down and starting fresh?
Stipping: speaking of stripping a boot down...what method is recommended for this? Just saddle soap, water and a good stiff brush?
Thanks again, all!
Mike
------------------
"A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently, die gallantly. Specialization is for insects." -Robert Heinlein